My Five Word TL:DR Review: This Was A Little Nugget

Cinderwich is a book that completely missed my radar until fairly recently when I was scrolling down some lists of books (as you do) and there it was, with it’s May release, taunting me and I thought how the heck did I miss this?  Anyway, I couldn’t tippy tap the keys fast enough to put in a request and I literally danced a little happy dance when I was approved.  Anyway, I really like this author’s work so that spooky cover coupled with ‘mystery/thriller southern gothic novel set in dying Tennessee town’ in the description, well, you had me at hello.  Anyway, long story short I really enjoyed this one.  It’s only a short story – which I hadn’t realised, and I dont usually enjoy short stories – but this one felt like a good length and it can be read in an easy couple of bites.

The story revolves around the mystery of a missing woman called Ellen.  Ellen Thrush has been missing for many years, so many years that her niece, who was named for her but prefers to be called Kate, never met her, and for the woman who loved her, Dr Judith Kane, to have eventually moved on with her life.  Oddly enough Judith and Kate know each other, particularly because of this shared link, they had a good friendship once but eventually drifted apart until out of the blue, Judith messages Kate for help.  She’s seen a strange article about a woman whose body was found at a similar time to the time of Ellen’s disappearance and has become something of an urban (but rural in this case) legend.  Who put Ellen in the blackgum tree?  The two decide to go in search of answers to that very question and the hope of closure.

What did I enjoy about CInderwich.

Firstly, I loved the friendship and banter between Kate and Judith.  They’re such different characters in so many ways.  Judith is graceful and charming, always impeccable and well mannered.  Kate is a bit more clumsy, certainly intelligent and not afraid to do a little digging, even putting herself in precarious positions.  These two are perfect together they really are.  They have this younger/older woman dynamic, mentor/ student if you will. There’s respect,and camaraderie but at the same time they’re both their own people and stand their ground.

Secondly, the setting is great.  We have this old town that is very run down, stores have closed, there’s no railway anymore, no newspaper – but there’s a library so all isn’t completely lost.  CInderwich has both a creepy and also a kind of sad vibe.  There are few people about, few cars, very few places to stop and eat, the local hotel is a throwback to the 70s and the stigma and mystery of the unknown woman in the tree has left a dark taint.  Every time the story is resurrected people searching for missing relatives turn up looking for answers, or tourists wanting there chance to see where it all happened.  On top of this Cinderwich is a town with a background the likes of which are only briefly touched upon here, I’m not sure I totally understood all the implications other than rich town founders forming a kind of brotherhood and perhaps taking strange actions with dark repercussions – that’s simply a wild stab in the dark on my part though, feel free to enlighten me.

I loved the three women and their wonderfully gothic house that our two main characters visit in their pursuit of answers.  Seriously, can we have some more books with these three and indeed Cinderwich.

Gothic.  Okay, it’s maybe not for everyone, it’s not outright horror as such, it’s more subtle and creepy.  Noises in the nights, shadows in the woods, ghostly sightings, etc. but I do love something gothic and this Southern type gothic brings that extra element by focusing on characters that are isolated, settings derelict and yet at the same time tempering the tale with dark humour and moments of refreshing breathers- like the three ladies above generously inviting complete strangers into their home and offering them tea.

I got on very easily with the writing and in fact really enjoyed the pacing.  The story goes back and forth between conversations with Kate and Judith in which we gradually build a picture of the two and the investigatory nature of the mystery when the two go digging for clues.

In terms of criticisms.  The only thing I would mention, and it’s not really a criticism as such, is that if you need answers to all the questions then this might not be the book for you.  Much is left to speculation on the part of the reader so whilst certain elements are resolved the whys and wherefores and other little issues about the history of Cinderwich are not drawn out in plain black and white.  I think the author wants you to reach some of your own conclusions and to be fair everything is here within the pages to help you do so (well, I think I’ve answered the queries I had, or more to the point I’m probably a mile wide off being correct but I feel content with the conclusions I’ve reached).   Also, I would say that if you’re looking for a fast paced blood fest then this isn’t it.  It’s southern gothic with hauntings and other unnerving situations taking place.

Anyway, to conclude, this was a really good read.  I must admit that I’m enjoying my fantasy mysteries at the moment and this was fascinating.  There’s a lovely element of women coming together to help each other and a very satisfying friendship.

I received a copy through the publisher, for which my thanks.  The above is my own opinion.

My rating 4 of 5 stars